Massage and School Age Children

Understanding the benefits of massage should prove how important massage can be to school age children from elementary to high school. The stresses of school for elementary children is often taken for granted; fitting in, bullying, eating right and even just learning a new concept for some can create a high level of anxiety.  High school age/teenagers stresses are clear as much as they are unclear and their choices for their future are so close.  

Massage can allow a student to concentrate better, experience an overall happiness during the day and keep anxieties at a low level. With less stress and better coping methods an overall wellness can become a lifelong message of good health. As a family you may also gain quality time, a chance for better communication and respect for each other.

I know, you are saying, I don’t have time for that too! But maybe those 10 minutes you are trying to save for yourself can be shared in a quite place with your child. It just takes committing to a better way of life. 

For younger elementary age children the best time for massage to take place is before bed. It allows the body and mind to obtain a calm state of rest faster, and when done regularly, it leads to a better nights rest.  As they get older (3rd grade and up) a good time is once they are home (if schedule allows). It will help promote better concentration as they begin homework and prep for the next day.  High school ages will vary between these two times depending on their routines. 

At any school age the sessions do not have to exceed a half hour or 15 minutes. Elementary age children strokes are usually a matter of compression work with a focus around the upper neck (near the brain) and all major joints. And let them know you are massaging them to make them feel better.  Older children will start to carry stress in their shoulder like adults and it is a key area. Still working the neck area but the feet also become a key area. Some children just like their backs to be rubbed and 10-15 minutes can take them a long way or maybe they just want their feet rubbed.

A key component to reducing stress is no distraction during this time. You may even begin to notice that you begin to relax as you give the massage.  Don’t be afraid to let your little ones and loves one work on you. Let the little ones have fun, if they want to rub your feet, hands, nose or ears let them.  Remember laughing is good too!

Children with special needs should receive massages every day. Even if it’s just five minutes a day allowing them a moment to calm down and or change concept from tying their shoes to eating a meal, if they accept touch. The benefit of focusing is a key concept that can be obtained from massage for most special need children.

For so many adults who give more to their children then themselves this is one area you can give every day. Please take a moment and read this article in full to understand the benefits you youngster will get with a massage.   http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/470/Children-and-Massage  A massage a day and a hug a day will keep the doctor away J

Sharon Scubla LMT

www.letthetensiongo.abmp.com